Page 48 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“Really? How strange, because it sounds to me like you’re commenting on his personal life, and that seems like something you have no business doing if you don’t know him.”

“It’s not like his personal life ispersonal.” The stranger balks, and Colt goes absolutely rigid under my palm. I feel him inhale, but before he can get any words out I push forward.

“No, I suppose not. How fortunate for you that his personal life is on display. That wayyourtype can live vicariously through him.”

The man’s eyes narrow, his face turning a deep shade of red as he sputters what I’m sure are insults, though they’re unintelligible. Luckily, Colt’s truck arrives just then, and we can make our exit before things get really heated.

The drive home is uncomfortably quiet; Colt’s blaming himself for the audacity of the man at the restaurant. I reach for his hand where it rests on the center console and take it in my own, but there aren’t words that can make things better. Instead, I simply say, “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” He glances at me briefly before turning his eyes back to the road. “It’s my fault, and I didn’t even do anything to fix it.”

“It’s not your fault that someone else was a jerk. And what would you have done to fix it?”

“I don’t know. Hit him,” he grunts, flexing the hand on the steering wheel.

“And then what? He presses charges and you get in trouble? Or he goes to the press and badmouths you? It’s better he be mad at me.” I squeeze his hand.

“You shouldn’t be involved at all, Honey. You didn’t ask for that and you didn’t deserve it. It’s only because of me that asshole said anything, and I didn’t even get to defend you.” He lets go of my hand and rakes his hand through his hair.

“I can defend myself,” I say calmly, and something about my tone must reach him because the corner of his mouth ticks up as he fights a smile.

“Yeah, you sure can, Beautiful. Where’d that come from anyway? You aren’t usually so outspoken.”

“You don’t live with Delaney for four years without picking up a few things.” I cast him a wry smile.

Colt chuckles and looks at me appreciatively before shaking his head, retreating. “It shouldn’t have happened. I can’t even promise it won’t happen again.”

“So, don’t.”

“Don’t what?” He seems to pale.

“Don’t promise. I don’t expect you to control what other people do or say.”

“It’s not fair to put you through that though.” He sighs heavily. “It’s not going to change anytime soon. I shouldn’t ask that of you.”

“Ask what?” I hold my breath.

“Ask you to give up your privacy. Your anonymity. I know you don’t want the spotlight that comes with me and my career.” His eyes are carefully focused on the road in front of him.

I want to reassure him that I’m okay with the scrutiny, but the truth is I’m not. I know what people say about Colt’s love life, his past love interests, and I don’t want the same assumptions made about me.

For people who know me, like Delaney and my parents, they won’t confuse me with someone chasing fame or money. But the people who don’t will believe whatever is said in the press, and based on what I’ve gleaned from Colt and Delaney, it’s not likely to be favorable. That said, my feelings for Colt are starting to outweigh my fears.

Although everything about Colt is outside my comfort zone, from his size to his outgoing personality to his celebrity status, I feel completely at ease around him. He’s endlessly patient, letting me set the pace for how things progress between us, and shielding me as much as possible from the stage he lives on.

And the way he looks at me, like I’m both smart and sexy, is liberating. I never thought I’d say that since I’ve tried so hard not to blur the lines between my professional life and my personal life, but I enjoy being thought of as sexy, especially since I didn’t change anything about myself to earn that label.

I used to think I’d have to by using more makeup or changing my wardrobe, and the fact that I can feel desirable asmeis a gift only Colt has given me.

For the first time since coming back to the states I’m not chastising myself for not being like everyone else. That’s because of Colt. And that makes him too special to cast aside simply because he lives on a public stage.

“I don’t love the spotlight. But it’s like you said, I think I might regret it if I don’t see where this goes, so maybe some things are worth giving up.” I bite my lip, waiting to see how he responds.

“The selfish part of me agrees with you, but I’m trying real hard not to be a selfish guy anymore. We’ve flown under the radar so far, you could probably cut out now and no one would be the wiser.” His southern drawl is suddenly thicker, but there’s no trace of humor in his tone like there typically is when the accent comes out. He’s afraid of my answer.

“Do I strike you as the kind of person who gives up?” I fight to keep the hurt out of my voice.

“No, Beautiful. Of course not. But the more time you spend with me the more people are gonna speculate about you, your life. Not sure I’m worth that.” The last is said so softly I can barely hear it, which only strengthens my resolve.

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